The polymer fracturing fluid has been gradually used in the fossil hydrogen energy field. However, its impacts on the fields are still unclear. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to solve the problem. First, a new method called the pressure transmission test (PTT) was used to evaluate the permeability damage induced by polymer fracturing fluid. Then several rock properties were tested to reveal rock potential damage induced by the aqueous fracturing fluid, after that the interactions between polymer fracturing fluid and rock were discussed in detail. Results showed that the average permeability pollution is 10.6. Permeability and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests stated that the core is easier to be blocked by particles in the formation or fracturing fluid residue. Blocking and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests showed that the nanoscale polymer would stick on the rock surface, and reduce the pore size. Our work provides a new method to evaluate the impact of polymer fracturing fluid on tight reservoirs. Moreover, the mechanism of permeability damage caused by the polymer fracturing fluid was also revealed. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.